Special Giving Programs

Amplify the power of philanthropy by giving collaboratively.

Through our collective giving programs, you can pool your donations with others who share your interests, research community needs and decide as a group where to make grants. You also have the opportunity to engage through educational activities, volunteerism and more.

You can also strengthen nonprofits and improve lives throughout our region by supporting FFTC's other special giving programs.

Our Programs

Positively impacting nonprofits that serve the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, CLGF is a collective giving program that awards grants to organizations that support the LGBT community. We also cultivate partnerships with community allies.

Stakeholders donate $1,000 or more per year to provide grants to nonprofits that support the LGBT community. Not ready to become a member? You can still help. CLGF welcomes donations between $25 - $999.

12th Annual The Happening

It’s that time of year again! Please join us for the 12th Annual Happening – the Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund’s signature luncheon that brings together hundreds to raise awareness and showcase our 2018 grant recipients.

For other table captain options please contact Jeremiah Nelson at nelsonjs@wfu.edu.As the primary fundraising vehicle for the Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund, the success of the Happening has a direct impact on the vitality of many Mecklenburg County-based LGBTQ non-profit organizations and programs.

Learn About Grant Opportunities

CLGF awards grants to Charlotte‐area organizations serving the LGBT community through three grant programs:

Programs, Projects and Events Grants are awarded to encourage 501(c)3 nonprofits to serve the LGBT community either directly or in partnership with another organization. LGBT and non-LGBT organizations are eligible for a PPE Grant of up to $5,000.

Basic Operating Grants are intended to build capacity and strengthen the effectiveness of 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations serving Charlotte’s LGBT community. Grants will be awarded to support general operations of organizations that fulfill CLGF’s mission.

Grassroots Lane Grants are awarded to build capacity and strengthen the effectiveness of startup organizations with or without 501(c)3 nonprofit status serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, up to $2,000 per organization. Previous recipients of CLGF's Basic Operating and Program, Project and Events grants are not eligible to apply.

With the goal of enhancing the quality of life within our communities, NGAAP is a collective giving program that promotes philanthropy among African Americans in the Charlotte region.

Established in 2008, members pledge $1 a day for three years and envision a healthy, safe and prosperous community for families to live, work and flourish. We award grants to nonprofits that address issues affecting a disproportionate number of African Americans.

AACF was established in 1993 to support efforts that promote economic self-reliance, equal opportunity, leadership skills and cultural awareness among the region's African American community.

The grant funds were made possible through the Lethia Henderson Fund Endowment and the Elizabeth S. Randolph African American Fund Endowment. Individual contributions help the fund grow, increasing the potential to spur and support impactful programs.

Since 1994, AACF has awarded more than $400,000 in grants to nonprofits that serve the African American community.

Grant Programs

Our strategic grantmaking to educational, economic, health and cultural initiatives fosters opportunity, leadership and civic participation among the underserved and underrepresented in Mecklenburg and nearby counties. The current grant cycle is now closed.

Focus areas

Public education support. AACF supports students in public elementary, middle and high schools, as well as programs serving students ages birth to 18 during out-of-school time.

Health. AACF also supports programs that address the health and nutrition of students ages birth to 18 and provide services for diseases that disproportionately affect African Americans.

Economic delvelopment. AACF also supports programs that provide business development and support for African American-owned businesses.

Eligibility

Grants are limited to eligible organizations for projects in or benefitting Charlotte-Mecklenburg, NC.

Grants are made to qualified 501(c)3, governmental, educational and religious organizations.

Areas Typically Not Funded

Basic operating support except for professional development training leading to provider certifications or licensure

Endowment funds

Direct support of individuals; scholarships to private or parochial schools

Travel and conferences; publication of books

Projects that promote political or religious views

Purchase of equipment except for technology purchases directly related to delivering public education support programs